Thoreau and Civil Disobedience

Summary

In 1845, President James K. Polk's aggressive policies, including the Mexican-American War and support for slavery, sparked opposition. Henry David Thoreau, a Massachusetts writer, became a vocal critic, advocating for civil disobedience in his 1849 essay. Thoreau believed true patriotism lay in following one's conscience over blind obedience to authority. He protested against the government's actions by withholding taxes, resulting in a night in jail. Thoreau urged citizens to resist unjust governance through non-violent means, emphasizing the importance of independent thought over political passivity.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 In 1845, James K. Polk became the U.S. President, known for his aggressive stance towards expansion and defense of slavery.
• 🌎 Polk's presidency was marked by conflicts with Mexico over the Texas border and disputes with Britain regarding Oregon.
• 🔍 Henry David Thoreau, a writer from Massachusetts, was a vocal critic of Polk's policies and actions.
• 📚 Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience,' published in 1849, questioned the duty of citizens towards a government they disagreed with.
• 🤔 Thoreau argued that true patriotism lies in following one's conscience and reason, rather than blind obedience to authority.
• 🏛️ He advocated for independent thought and the redistribution of prestige towards those who think critically.
• 💥 Thoreau opposed the Mexican-American War, the return of runaway slaves, and the government's overall outlook.
• 💲 As a form of protest, Thoreau withheld his taxes, resulting in a brief imprisonment in 1846.
• 🔒 Thoreau saw his imprisonment not as undignified but as a rightful place for those who resist unjust government actions.
• 🙅‍♂️ He criticized political passivity and urged citizens to not resign their conscience to legislation or serve unscrupulous powers.
• 🧠 Thoreau's message emphasized the importance of serving one's own mind and conscience above all else.

Q & A

Who was the United States president in 1845?

James K. Polk was the United States president in 1845.

What was Polk's stance on slavery?

Polk was a vigorous defender of slavery and dismissed the arguments of abolitionists as naive and sentimental.

Why did the United States declare war on Mexico during Polk's presidency?

The United States declared war on Mexico due to disputes over the Texan border.

How did Henry David Thoreau react to President Polk's policies?

Thoreau was a committed opponent of Polk, opposing the Mexican-American War, the administration's policy on slavery, and Polk's aggressive stance towards Britain.

What is 'Civil Disobedience' and when did Thoreau publish it?

'Civil Disobedience' is an essay by Thoreau published in 1849, expressing his views on the duty of citizens in relation to an unjust government.

What was the main argument of Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience'?

The main argument was that true patriots should follow their conscience and reason rather than blindly obeying the government.

Why did Thoreau withhold payment of his taxes?

Thoreau withheld payment of his taxes as a form of protest against the government's policies, particularly the Mexican-American War and the repatriation of slaves.

What happened to Thoreau when he refused to pay his taxes?

Thoreau was arrested and thrown into the town jail in Concord, Massachusetts, for his refusal to pay taxes.

What did Thoreau believe was the true place for a just man under an unjust government?

Thoreau believed that under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is a prison.

How did Thoreau view political passivity?

Thoreau hated political passivity and believed that citizens should actively oppose an unjust government rather than resigning their conscience to legislation.

What did Thoreau suggest was the duty of a citizen in relation to an unjust government?

Thoreau suggested that the duty of a citizen was to never resign their conscience to the legislation and to actively resist an unjust government through non-violent means.